November 9

CMITN556 / November 9, 2025

When our students connect, serve, and lead with heart, success follows naturally,” shared Principal Rosalynn Gaskins, reflecting what truly matters most within our CMIT North community.

Under her leadership, CMIT North students are shining in both the arts and service. Through the Monumental Women for the Arts residency, students are exploring creative expression, confidence, and community on stage, while also extending that same spirit of care beyond our school through the Jamaica Relief Drive, donating items to support families recovering from recent storms. Our National Honor Society in Social Studies is reinforcing civic responsibility and service, and our Thanksgiving donation effort invites students, staff, and families to share what they can with those in need this season.

Together, these initiatives show how CMIT North students are not only achieving academically, but also growing as compassionate leaders who uplift others.

📌 CMIT North HS Newsletter is published every Sunday

(or Monday if the Monday follows a holiday weekend).

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Gemma Clarke, Ph.D. - Program Coordinator

The Caribbean Students Association (CSA) launched a Jamaica-Themed Dress Down Day and Relief Drive, where students and staff were invited to wear Jamaican colors or themed attire to support families in Jamaica after the recent typhoon.

CSA are now collecting donations of approved items listed here: [Insert materials link]. Students may earn SSL hours based on their level of participation and donations. Donations are being collected by Mr. Marshall in Room [#] and Dr. Clarke in the STEAM Office.

This initiative not only supports relief efforts in Jamaica, but also helps students practice service, empathy, and global citizenship while earning SSL hours through meaningful service.

We are accepting donations of small items (snacks, school supplies, accessories, etc.) to keep the Treasure Chests stocked. Students who donate may receive Kickboard points or service-learning hours.

CMIT North HS Student Handbook

Thank you for your continued support in building a positive school culture!

Please email Ms. Tarver, Testing Coordinator, at rtarver@cmitacademy.org for more information.

Our teachers will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner on Tuesday, November 19th during their staff meeting.

Donations can be sent via Zelle using our email address:

We appreciate your support and hope to see you at the meeting!

If your student stays after school, we warmly invite you to contribute the $50 activity donation using the procedure linked below. Your generosity directly supports our after-school programs and truly goes a long way in keeping these opportunities thriving for our students.

How to Support Our Afterschool & Tutoring Programs Link

We’re thrilled to announce that our math department has received new Savaas books, Parent Engagement sections, and Math IXL materials! These resources are designed to support both students and families in exploring math concepts together.

What this means for students and families:Savaas Books: Students can dive into new lessons and practice problems. The Parent Engagement portions are perfect for families to explore math concepts together at home.

• Math IXL: Interactive exercises are available to reinforce skills and provide targeted practice.

All resources are easily accessible through Clever. Students are encouraged to explore these materials at their own pace. Additionally, teachers will be assigning specific lessons and activities to ensure each student is supported and challenged appropriately.

Math Challenge & Kickboard Points:

We encourage families to join in the learning journey—exploring together strengthens understanding and makes math even more fun!

The AP Biology students have been busy at work learning about various biological principles and investigating in the lab! They end quarter 1 with 3 units complete and 3 labs under their belt. Stay tuned to see what they dive into in the 2nd quarter

The CMIT Science Department is hosting a field trip to the National Aquarium on November 18, 2025. The cost of attendance is $30. Payment Deadline has been extended to November 7, 2025. If you are interested in attending, please complete the Google form below and bring the completed permission slip and payment to Ms. Maradiaga by Friday. https://forms.gle/CJgJqXSAgms7xNXg8

Health

Students are working collaboratively on group projects centered around reducing stress. Through research and discussion, they are identifying effective strategies to promote relaxation, balance, and overall well-being in their everyday routines.

Music

In Music class, students are exploring the 3/4 time signature using examples from current pop music. This engaging approach helps them recognize rhythmic patterns and understand how artists creatively use this timing in popular songs.

Financial Literacy

Students are diving into the world of investing by tracking the performance of their top five stocks over the next seven weeks. This project allows them to analyze real-world financial data while learning about market trends, risk management, and long-term growth.

Over the past two weeks, CMIT Academy North High School students have been participating in a special arts residency with Monumental Women for The Arts of The Society, Inc., with master classes held on November 3, November 6, and now November 13.

We are pleased to invite all parents and students to our Final Master Class Presentation on Thursday, November 13 at 4:30 PM in the cafeteria. From 4:40–5:00 PM, students will share their culminating “Step Show” performance, highlighting what they have learned. Two student speakers will open the program prior to the full group performance.

Light refreshments will be provided for all parents and students in attendance.

We extend our sincere thanks to Monumental Women for The Arts of The Society, Inc. for bringing this inspiring arts experience to our CMIT Academy North students and community.

Grades

Quarter 1 report card grades are now available in ParentVue under the Gradebook tab. Please take a moment to review your student’s progress.

The grade appeal window for parents and guardians will be open from December 1st through December 5th. All appeal requests must be submitted to the student's teacher within this time frame.

Grade Appeal Form

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Tarver at rtarver@cmitacademy.org

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Culture and Climate

In honor of America Recycles Day on Friday, November 14th, students are encouraged to wear a green top with uniform bottoms to show their support for sustainability!

Recycling activities will take place during all lunch periods.

Our school is proud to be recognized as a Maryland Green School — we recycle and compost during every lunch thanks to the dedication of our Green School Club, led by Ms. deGuzman.

Let’s celebrate our continued commitment to keeping our planet clean and green!

Kickboard

Beginning Quarter 2 on November 3rd, the Kickboard committee has made some updates to our school wide behavior system to more effectively support positive student behavior.

Behavior Expectations & Consequences

• Students will receive lunch detention after accumulating three negative Kickboard infractions in a week.

• Students who receive seven or more negative infractions in a week will receive in-school suspension.

• Please note: Consequences will be assigned the following week based on the previous week’s Kickboard data.

Teacher Expectations

To support the effectiveness of our Kickboard behavior system, it is important that teachers are consistently awarding positive Kickboard points, not only negative ones.

Many parents/guardians have expressed concerns about limited communication regarding repeated student behavior issues. As a reminder, teachers should be contacting parents/guardians when there is an ongoing concern about a student’s behavior.

Please also encourage students to check their Kickboard accounts daily.

Positive Points

Starting November 3rd, all students will receive 200 positive Kickboard points every Monday.

Kickboard Treasure Chests

Kickboard Treasure Chests have been delivered to all Academic Resource and College Summit classes. Students may use their Kickboard points to purchase items.

Kickboard Celebration!

Keep up the great work and keep earning those positive Kickboard points!

Lost and Found

We have several non-CMIT coats, jackets, and other items in the Lost and Found.

All unclaimed items must be retrieved by Monday, November 25th.

PSAT Scores Are In!

Students — your College Board PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT scores are now available!

In the attached spreadsheet, you’ll see which students met the benchmark and who qualifies for the National Merit Scholarship.

If a student is having trouble accessing their scores, please have them call Collegeboard at 866-433-7728

Please use the documents below to help with understanding the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT/NMSQT scores

PSAT/NMSQT: Understanding Scores for Students and Families

PSAT 8/9: Understanding Scores for Students and Families

Join Rho Kappa, the Social Studies National Honors Society for High School in spreading some holiday spirit by writing heartfelt cards for service members stationed abroad. Many of our brave troops spend the holidays far from their families and loved ones—your words of encouragement and gratitude can remind them that they’re remembered, appreciated, and supported back home. A simple card can lift spirits, strengthen morale, and share a piece of home during the festive season.

Where: Room 310 - but we will meet in the Cafeteria at 3PM

Service Hours: 10 cards = 1 service hour

Only those that RSVP using this link will be allowed to attend. Let’s share some holiday cheer together!

[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_rVfTO2-ouYczXLfFOLydmYD_REqVHMA4bTkVFXr0wysWJA/viewform]

Bring your creativity, kindness, and festive spirit—let’s make this holiday season a bit brighter for our troops!

In honor of America Recycles Day on Friday, November 14th, CMIT North students are encouraged to wear green tops and green bottoms to show their commitment to sustainability and environmental action!

During all lunch periods, students can participate in exciting recycling activities led by members of our Afterschool Green Programs — including the Green School Club and the Environmental Justice Club. These dedicated groups continue to make a lasting impact by weaving environmental awareness into our school culture and daily habits.

This important event will feature several hands-on opportunities to get involved:

America Recycles Day Pledge Wall – sponsored by ed by Ms. Michelle de Guzman, Green School Club Coach

Recycle Tracker Board – Recycle Tracker Board – Ms. Ryan Tarver, Environmental Justice Club Coach

Creativity Canvas Competition – sponsored by Dr. Clarke and Mr. Emre Tekin, Green Environment Advisor & School Compost Operator

CMIT North is proud to be recognized as a Maryland Green School, recycling and composting daily thanks to the leadership and teamwork of our afterschool clubs and their sponsors: Ms. de Guzman (Green School Club), Ms. Tarver (Environmental Justice Club), and Mr. Tekin (School Operations Support for Compost and Sustainability).

Let’s celebrate our afterschool programs and student leaders who are turning green goals into action—keeping CMIT North and our planet clean, green, and thriving!

The English Honor Society and the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society will proudly host a joint induction ceremony on Monday, November 17, celebrating academic excellence and leadership in the humanities and social sciences.

This special event will honor 17 outstanding students who have demonstrated scholarship, service, and a deep commitment to learning. Families, teachers, and staff are invited to share in this moment of recognition and celebration.

Students should arrive by 5:00 p.m., and the program will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m.

We are also honored to welcome Mayor Sydnor, who will share a few inspiring remarks as we recognize our newest inductees and their achievements.

PTSO General Board Meeting & Thanksgiving Staff Dinner

The PTSO will hold its next General Board Meeting on Thursday, November 20th at 6:00 PM via Zoom.

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://pgcps-org.zoom.us/j/81121451477

Please take a moment to explore the scholarship link and imagine what it would mean to go to college with your tuition supported—opening doors to opportunities without the heavy burden of debt. Scholarships often look at the rigorous classes you are taking, the strong GPA you are working hard to maintain, and the afterschool and summer programs you participate in, all of which show your commitment, leadership, and readiness for college-level work. Every challenging course, every club or program you join, and every effort you put into your academics can make a real difference in qualifying for these scholarships and bringing your college dreams within reach.

Seeds of service today become tomorrow’s greatest harvest.

- Dr. Clarke

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